Decorated United States Air Force Veteran Honored at the PGA Reach Colorado Invitational
Combat-Wounded Veteran presented his Mortgage-Free Home from Wells Fargo at the PGA Reach Colorado Invitational
[Parker, Colo. – July 26, 2022] – PGA REACH Colorado honored Kevin Wallace, a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, at the PGA REACH Colorado Invitational in Larkspur, Colo. SMSgt Wallace received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Purple Heart during his time in the service. PGA REACH Colorado sponsored Wallace’s three years of family and financial mentorship by presenting him with his mortgage-free home. The home was donated by Wells Fargo to Military Warriors Support Foundation’s (MWSF) Homes4WoundedHeroes program in 2020. A welcome party reception was held today at the Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colo. where he was honored for his service and presented with his home. In addition, Chris Hardesty, a former United States Army Specialist and Purple Heart recipient who was awarded a mortgage-free home in 2017, also received a putting green donated by a local turf company, All Things Turf. The keynote speaker at the event was professional golfer, commentator and author, Gary McCord. Following the welcome cocktail reception, a live auction was held.[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="http://news.militarywarriors.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/PD-002824-Colorado-PGA-REACH-Presentation_2.mp4"][/video]The presentation at the PGA REACH Invitational was made possible in partnership with PGA REACH Colorado.This year PGA REACH Colorado is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. Working together with Military Warriors Support Foundation, PGA REACH Colorado has sponsored the mortgage-free home presentations of nine veterans since 2015.Steven Bartkowski, chief executive officer and executive director Colorado PGA Section, comments:
"On behalf of our 850 Colorado PGA Professionals and twenty-two PGA REACH Colorado Trustees, we are honored to be once again able to provide a home for a combat-wounded hero. We are so proud that Kevin Wallace is the hero that is receiving this house in 2022 and are humbled by his sacrifice to our country. This is the 9th home we have been able to support over the last 10 years through our partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation. Also, a huge thank you to Doug Steeves from All Things Turf, who, for the first time, has partnered with us to give our 2017 local hero Chris Hardesty a putting green at his house in Colorado. The putting green gives us the ability to tie in the game of golf to our house contribution, which is a game that continues to be a tool for heroes to enhance physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Thank you to all our gracious supporters for making this a reality in 2022. We look forward to another 10-plus years of partnership with Military Warriors Support Foundation."
Ken Eakes, executive director of Military Warriors Support Foundation, comments:
“We’re honored to work again with PGA REACH Colorado as we serve one of our nation’s combat-wounded heroes. These heroes have given so much for us and their country, to be able to give back in such a powerful way is amazing. PGA REACH Colorado’s mortgage-free home sponsorship of Senior Master Sergeant Kevin Wallace’s three-year mentorship program will provide him with the tools for lifelong success. Also, special thanks to Wells Fargo for donating the home to our Homes4WoundedHeroes program and thank you Kevin Wallace for your service; it’s an honor to serve you.”
The mortgage-free home was donated by Wells Fargo to Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes4WoundedHeroes program in 2020. Since 2012, Wells Fargo has donated more than 400 homes valued at over $60 million to veterans in all 50 states. The home, and three years of mentorship, provides a cornerstone of support as Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Wallace transitions from the military life to his new civilian life.Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Kevin Wallace was born in California and grew up in California, Colorado, and Washington D.C. He joined the military in 1997 and served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Africa, Armenia, U.K., Europe, South America, and many other countries. He is an award-winning photojournalist (combat photographer) he received FOX News’ “Best Military Photo of 2013,” two U.S. Air Force “Photographer of the Year” awards, and 19 Air Force Major Command “Journalist of the Year” awards. Senior Master Sergeant Wallace is credited for saving the lives of his platoon after being hit and wounded by direct enemy fire. He ran through direct enemy fire three times. After 20 years of service, he retired in 2018. To view his U.S. Armed Forces photojournalist portfolio, follow this link: https://www.dvidshub.n-et/portfolio/1044761/kevin-wallaceHe received numerous awards during his 20 years of service including a Bronze Star Medal with Valor for heroism, the Purple Heart for being wounded in action, three Meritorious Service Medals, an Air Force Combat Action Medal, and many more. He currently resides in Manteo, NC where he is an Ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warrior program and started a small non-profit that uses art, music, and other creativity to help veterans with PTSD and other injuries heal.Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Kevin Wallace, comments:
“I want to thank Military Warriors Support Foundation, sponsors, and volunteers for making this tremendous feat possible. Being selected for this program allowed me to make positive changes in my life and enabled me to transition from a place of trauma into a place of healing. I've now been able to focus on my own healing and helping others too. Military Warriors Support Foundation and all those involved make this a possibility; so, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!”